Northern Water Vole

Description:

In Norway, the species is more common in cultural landscapes. The vole is nocturnal so it's a rare sight for me. They lives in an underground passage system that goes 1-2 meters into the ground. A corridor system has several openings. The oval entrances and exits to the corridor system usually have a diameter of 5-8 cm. They have a blunt nose, small eyes and ears, short legs and a 5-11 cm long tail with light hair. Adult rats can be up to 20 cm in body length and weigh is around 200 grams. The fur varies from light gray to brown-red and black.

Habitat:

The opening is on top of a ditch at the forest edge.

Notes:

Norvegian name: Jordrotte or Vånd